In a statement provided to FOX8, NASCAR has explained its decision not to partner with Fred Lorenzen’s family on a $1 million initiative focused on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) research and support for former drivers.
The response follows the family’s announcement that Lorenzen, a NASCAR Hall of Famer, was posthumously diagnosed with Stage 3 CTE after researchers at Boston University examined his brain. He died on December 18, 2024, at the age of 89, after living with dementia for approximately 20 years. He is the first known NASCAR driver to receive a CTE diagnosis.
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Lorenzen’s children, Chris Lorenzen and Amanda Lorenzen Gardstrom, announced a $1 million donation to the Concussion & CTE Foundation on October 20. The family had also spent more than six months discussing a potential partnership with NASCAR, proposing that the sanctioning body contribute up to $1 million annually for three years. Chris also offered to match NASCAR’s contribution.
However, NASCAR declined the proposal, citing its existing medical and research initiatives.
Why Did NASCAR Decline the Lorenzen Family’s CTE Proposal?
In a statement provided to FOX8, NASCAR said it had consulted its existing medical partners before deciding against a formal partnership.
“After careful consideration and consultation with existing medical partners, we have determined that a different approach will better align with how we intend to advance our efforts in this area,” NASCAR said.
“NASCAR has a longstanding history of working directly with physicians, academics and research institutions to inform its approach to driver health and wellness,” NASCAR added. “This has included NASCAR’s Medical Advisory Group of Consulting Physicians, who helped educate drivers as NASCAR implemented mandatory baseline concussion testing, and partnership with University of Pittsburgh Medical Center to help treat head injuries.”
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The sanctioning body emphasized that the decision should not be viewed as a rejection of CTE research. Instead, it pointed to its longstanding work with medical professionals and research institutions.
“Our decision should not be interpreted as a reflection on the importance or value of this work,” NASCAR continued. “Rather, it reflects our commitment to continuing this longstanding, medically informed approach to driver health and wellness and to focusing our resources on the research, technologies and safety initiatives we believe can have the greatest impact.”
In summary, the statement suggests the organization would continue directing resources toward research, technology, and safety measures it believes can have the greatest impact on driver health.
Fred Lorenzen’s Daughter Speaks Out on NASCAR’s Refusal to Join Them
Amanda Lorenzen Gardstrom questioned whether NASCAR’s existing programs adequately address the needs of former drivers.
“To my knowledge, I don’t know of any programs that they are involved in that are based on research for CTE specifically that would help drivers post-career,” she said on Racing Report with FOX8 journalist Chris Weaver. “I do know that they are pretty strong on the fact that they are doing research to make things safer.”
Despite NASCAR declining the proposed partnership, the family intends to move forward with its initiative. It hopes Lorenzen’s diagnosis will bring greater attention to the long-term effects of repeated head impacts and help other racing families access research and care.
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